Rabat – Indonesia will celebrate Eid Al Fitr 2023 on Saturday April 22, the country’s Ministry of Religion announced today.
“This decision was concluded with the consideration of the hilal position and isbat meeting with Islamic organizations and representatives from other countries,” Indonesian outlet SEA Today reported.
The ministry held an “isbat,” a moon sighting meeting, on Thursday April 20, CNN Indonesia previously reported.
Eid Al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, and is one of the major religious holidays in the Islamic calendar.
As with other Islamic holidays, the exact date of the feast is determined after relevant authorities attempt a moon sighting towards the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
Celebrations around the world usually start with going to local mosques or open air temporary prayer halls, where a special Eid prayer is performed and followed by a religious sermon called the “khutba.”
Eid Al Fitr is characterized by the spirit of giving, with Muslims obligated to give a set amount of money to benefit the underprivileged.
Food is also central to the celebration, with many families celebrating the end of the mandatory fast by huge breakfasts with culture-specific and traditional foods. The centrality of food has led Eid Al Fitr to be called the “Sugar Festival” in some countries.
Another Eid tradition revolves around gift-buying, with many children receiving money, clothes, or toys for the occasion.
